Being a woman in a male dominated world is hard. I’m not sooking – this isn’t a sop story, so put the violin away – I’m just stating fact.
We get paid less than men, are judged on our appearance more than we are judged on our ability, and are criticised for not conforming to social expectations. In other words, we are expected to be softly spoken, maternal angels. If we do not fit into this box, there’s something wrong with us.
Any woman who is assertive is labeled as bossy. If you’re confident you’re vain. If you’re headstrong you’re mean and unlikeable – headstrong people don’t have friends.
Females know deep down that this is bullshit but sometimes it’s hard to block out the noise. The labels and name calling can get to you and the self-doubt creeps in.
Well, Gwendoline Christie is about to squash your doubt once and for all because she just pulled a huge power move which we can all learn from:
The actor, who is best known for playing Ser Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones, nominated herself for an Emmy.
Rather than accept that HBO didn’t nominate her for the award, Gwendoline took it upon herself to submit her own name for consideration because she knew it was what she deserved.
Lesson: be your own champion, ladies.
Don’t sell yourself short because you’re scared of the labels. If you back yourself, there will be some pay off. Maybe you’ll get the Emmy, or the promotion, or just some recognition.
Or, maybe you’ll get nothing. But one thing’s for sure: you’ll feel so much better for standing up for you. I for one would rather be “bossy” and visible than quiet and invisible.